Donald A. Henderson (1928–2016)

Smallpox was one of the most terrifying and gruesome diseases to ever scourge humanity. More people have died from it than armed conflict in the 20th century. It blinded and scarred its victims, sparing no one.

And it is gone.

This is a very readable and thorough insider's view of the eradication effort, written by one of the people who was most responsible. The methods are very interesting - a long-lasting, easily used vaccine, given to every infected person, and all those nearby. A new type of bifurcated needle (seen on the cover) allowed for efficient and quick injection of the vaccine. West Africa actually progressed faster than expected, due to the relative isolation of the villages, and easiness to monitor.

I am astonished by the levels of international cooperation which allowed this effort to be possible. Both the US and USSR generously donated large stocks of money and material. India was very helpful, after realizing the potential embarrassment of having detonated nuclear weapons but still being ravaged by smallpox, which the developed world had fought so vigorously.

The author has kind words to say about nearly everyone (especially his staff), except a few scoundrel bureaucrats and the government of the petty Somalian tyrant Siad Barre, who stubbornly hindered their efforts. Even the Byzantine corruption endemic to India did not prevent their spread for too long.

To date, only one other disease has been eliminated - rinderpest, a disease which afflicts cattle. But smallpox is the only human disease which has been eradicated. There are drives to eliminate polio, which is reduced by some 90%, but still clings on.

A book that shows that there might still be some hope in the goodness and ingenuity and drive in humanity.… (mais)